Valentin Kravchenko’s legacy: The soul behind Baku’s cultural masterpieces A historical retrospective on Caliber.Az

The land of Azerbaijan has nurtured many talented artists whose works have become an integral part of the nation's culture. Their creations reflect the country’s rich historical heritage, traditions, and unique identity, bridging the past with the present. Among them, a special place belongs to Valentin Mikhailovich Kravchenko—a master whose works, though not widely known to the general public, possess great artistic depth and value. His contributions to various projects that have shaped Baku’s cultural landscape make his legacy significant and cherished by many residents.

Valentin Mikhailovich Kravchenko was born on 25 May 1925 in Kamianets-Podilskyi, Ukraine, into a working-class family. At the age of 19, he was drafted into the army and took part in World War II. Serving as a signalman on the 3rd Ukrainian Front, he worked under enemy fire to restore communication lines. For his bravery and dedication, he was awarded the medals For Courage and For the Capture of Budapest.

After the war, Kravchenko continued his military service and was stationed in Baku, where he was eventually demobilised after seven years. In 1949, he married Shovket khanum Safarova, the niece of Amina khanum Seyfullina—the first Azerbaijani woman to receive a medical education abroad. The couple had a son, Adil Valentinovich Kravchenko.

From an early age, Valentin Mikhailovich displayed a natural talent for art and an irresistible passion for drawing, which ultimately shaped his future. While working at the Azerbaijan Artistic Fund, he established himself as a gifted decorative artist. His works were distinguished by meticulous attention to detail, refined execution, and profound imagery. Many of the projects he contributed to became an integral part of Baku’s cultural and architectural landscape, preserving the memory of his craftsmanship for generations.

Valentin Mikhailovich was a man of deep soul and a keen perception of the world. His paintings did not merely capture images—they conveyed emotions, thoughts, and the artist’s most intimate reflections. There was sincerity, philosophical contemplation, and a profound love for art embedded in his creations, offering a glimpse into his inner world. Each of his works seemed to come to life, filling the space with a unique atmosphere that urged viewers to pause, reflect, and grasp the deeper meaning behind the imagery. His art was far from simplistic—it demanded an attentive eye and the ability to see beyond lines and colours, revealing something greater than just a visual representation.

Valentin Mikhailovich paid special attention to the presentation of his works. Each of his pieces was placed in a uniquely crafted frame, meticulously decorated and designed as a work of art in itself. At the time, everything was made by hand, and his frames stood out for their craftsmanship, intricate ornamentation, and refined details. Highly valued among artists, they combined both practicality and artistic expression. For many of his colleagues, these frames became an inseparable part of their paintings, enhancing their depth and bringing a sense of completeness to the artwork.

Notably, Valentin Mikhailovich shared a close friendship with Tofiq Aghababayev, the People's Artist of Azerbaijan. As Baku’s first chief artist, Aghababayev played a pivotal role in shaping the city's aesthetic and public spaces. Their bond was built on mutual respect, a deep love for art, and a shared vision of making the urban environment more beautiful and expressive.

Valentin Mikhailovich’s talent extended beyond painting. He had a passion for working with various materials, creating unique handcrafted objects infused with the soul of a true master. To this day, his relatives cherish vases made by his hands, each carrying the warmth and craftsmanship of the artist. These vases were not just decorative pieces; they became part of family history, preserving the memory of a man for whom art was more than a profession—it was his way of expressing love for the world.

Valentin Mikhailovich actively contributed to the creation of mosaic panels, collaborating with renowned artists of his time. One of his most significant projects was his involvement in the decoration of the Nizami metro station in Baku, a true masterpiece of monumental art.

Opened on 31 December 1976, Nizami Ganjavi station is remarkable for its artistic design and unique aesthetic. Its main highlight is a grand mosaic portrait of the great poet and philosopher Nizami Ganjavi, accompanied by 18 panels inspired by his famous work Khamsa (The Quintet). These stunning mosaics were created by Mikayil Abdullayev, a People's Artist of the USSR, State Prize laureate, and recipient of prestigious state orders. Today, this metro station is not just a key transport hub but a cultural landmark of Baku, impressing passengers with its artistic grandeur and historical significance.

Another important project in which Valentin Mikhailovich participated was the mosaic decoration on the façade of School No. 18 in Baku. Once, this building was adorned with an impressive mosaic panel, giving the school a distinctive artistic identity and serving as a symbol of its era. Created in 1968 and titled To the Stars, the panel was dedicated to space exploration—capturing the spirit of an era when humanity looked toward the infinite cosmos with excitement and hope. This monumental work was crafted by the talented artists Oktay Shikhaliev and Hajibala Rajabov. For decades, it inspired students and passersby, becoming an integral part of Baku’s cityscape. Unfortunately, in 2009, during restoration work, the mosaic was dismantled, marking the loss of a piece of the city’s artistic heritage.

The Fountain Square is one of the liveliest places in Baku, cherished by both locals and tourists. It is where the past and present intersect, creating a unique atmosphere that blends the old and the modern city. Probably every Baku resident remembers the clock at the Fountain Square. It became an integral part of the city's identity, remaining in the memory of many generations. Its creation was the result of the long and meticulous work of Valentin Mikhailovich Kravchenko, who poured his love for art and attention to detail into it. The clock added a special harmony to the space, combining beauty with functionality.

Throughout its history, the square has undergone numerous restorations, updates, and transformations. Many elements, including the fountains, have been changed. Unfortunately, during one of the reconstructions, the clock was removed. Despite this, it remains in the hearts of Baku residents, for even the smallest details can convey the subtlety and aesthetic of the urban environment.

Valentin Mikhailovich Kravchenko passed away on January 30, 1999, but his legacy continues to live on in the memories of the people. His works, created with love and talent, have become part of the cultural heritage, leaving an indelible mark on Baku's history. Even years later, his name remains in the hearts of those who knew him personally and appreciated his art. He was not just an artist, but a person who poured his soul into every detail of his creations, and that is what makes his work immortal.

Vahid Shukurov, exclusively for Caliber.Az